n. (Cell Biology) An arrangement of microtubules, microfilaments, and larger filaments within a cell serving to provide structural support of components of the cell, and to transport components from one part of the cell to another; the filaments are composed of protein and form a latticelike arrangement which may change rapidly with time. [ PJC ]

n. [ Derm + skeleton. ] (Anat.) See Exoskeleton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Endo- + skeleton. ] (Anat.) The bony, cartilaginous, or other internal framework of an animal, as distinguished from the exoskeleton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Exo- + skeleton ] (Anat.) The hardened parts of the external integument of an animal, including hair, feathers, nails, horns, scales, etc., as well as the armor of armadillos and many reptiles, and the shells or hardened integument of numerous invertebrates; external skeleton; dermoskeleton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Neuro- + skeleton. ] (Anat.) The deep-seated parts of the vertebrate skeleton which are in relation with the nervous axis and locomotion. Owen. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Pneumo- + skeleton. ] (Zool.) A chitinous structure which supports the gill in some invertebrates. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. sklhro`s hard + E. skeleton. ] (Anat.) That part of the skeleton which is developed in tendons, ligaments, and aponeuroses. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; (sc. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;) a dried body, a mummy, fr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; dried up, parched, &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; to dry, dry up, parch. ] 1. (Anat.) (a) The bony and cartilaginous framework which supports the soft parts of a vertebrate animal. [ See Illust. of the Human Skeleton, in Appendix. ] (b) The more or less firm or hardened framework of an invertebrate animal. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In a wider sense, the skeleton includes the whole connective-tissue framework with the integument and its appendages. See Endoskeleton, and Exoskeleton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence, figuratively: (a) A very thin or lean person. (b) The framework of anything; the principal parts that support the rest, but without the appendages. [ 1913 Webster ]

The great skeleton of the world. Sir M. Hale. [ 1913 Webster ]

(c) The heads and outline of a literary production, especially of a sermon. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Consisting of, or resembling, a skeleton; consisting merely of the framework or outlines; having only certain leading features of anything; as, a skeleton sermon; a skeleton crystal. [ 1913 Webster ]

Skeleton bill, a bill or draft made out in blank as to the amount or payee, but signed by the acceptor. [ Eng. ] --
Skeleton key, a key with nearly the whole substance of the web filed away, to adapt it to avoid the wards of a lock; a master key; -- used for opening locks to which it has not been especially fitted. --
Skeleton leaf, a leaf from which the pulpy part has been removed by chemical means, the fibrous part alone remaining. --
Skeleton proof, a proof of a print or engraving, with the inscription outlined in hair strokes only, such proofs being taken before the engraving is finished. --
Skeleton regiment, a regiment which has its complement of officers, but in which there are few enlisted men. --
Skeleton shrimp (Zool.), a small crustacean of the genus Caprella. See Illust. under Laemodipoda. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Skeletonized p. pr. & vb. n. Skeletonizing ] To prepare a skeleton of; also, to reduce, as a leaf, to its skeleton. Pop. Sci. Monthly. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Zool.) Any small moth whose larva eats the parenchyma of leaves, leaving the skeleton; as, the apple-leaf skeletonizer. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_; an entrail + E. skeleton. ] (Anat.) That part of the skeleton connected with the sense organs and the viscera. Owen. [ 1913 Webster ]